The RHA continues to campaign on behalf of the haulage industry

Inflation

The RHA continues to campaign on behalf of the haulage industry

Reacting to the Chancellor’s recent Autumn Statement, the RHA (Road Haulage Association) has pointed out that our haulage businesses are “facing near-record high inflation, energy costs and fuel prices in the midst of an economic crisis”.

It said: “Costs for road transport businesses have increased by over 11% in recent months with fuel alone up by nearly 40%.

“These increased costs have a direct impact on the prices on our shelves, as businesses have little choice but to pass them on to the consumer.”

The organisation’s MD Richard Smith was disappointed that there had been no action to reduce fuel duty nor any mention of the RHA’s proposed Essential User Rebate.

While welcoming the energy support package that will last until April 2023 the RHA has promised to work with the Government on its review of the scheme to try and ensure the best deal possible for its members in the Spring 2023 budget.

Fuel prices are climbing dramatically

Fuel-Prices

Fuel prices are climbing dramatically

Our fuel prices have risen by 15p per litre in the last two weeks.

But we are not alone.

According to the Road Haulage Association (RHA) following a meeting with the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Road Haulage & Logistics its chairman MP Greg Smith said fuel costs are “the most urgent issue facing road haulage”.

Add in the costs of regular vehicle servicing and price pressure is growing.

RHA executive director of policy and public affairs, Rod McKenzie, said: “Our members have seen operating costs increase 17% for an HGV – it costs an extra £20,000 per year just to fuel one truck…we must reduce the tax burdens on our sector and address our skills shortage which otherwise will hinder UK growth”.

Research National Lorry Week

Lorry-Research

Research National Lorry Week

https://www.rha.uk.net/news/news-blogs-and-press-releases/news-updates/detail/rha-s-national-lorry-week-returns-for-2022

From 24 to 30 October, the Road Haulage Association will be holding its eighth National Lorry Week.

As part of the campaign, the association will set out on a month-long roadshow kicking off in Peterborough on October 3, before travelling across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland to celebrate the role and importance of the UK’s road transport.

You can get involved and follow daily progress of the National Lorry Week roadshow on social media using the hashtag #NationalLorryWeek. To find out more, visit: www.nationallorryweek.co.uk

The logistics industry plays an essential role in our everyday lives, but its efficiency and success – more than 85% of all goods bought in the UK get from A to B on the back of a lorry – is often overlooked. During the Covid-19 crisis, the nation was quick to acknowledge the key role that logistics workers play in the ongoing health of the economy, however as businesses reopen and normality returns, it’s important that the industry and its workers remain ‘key’ in the eyes of the public.

National Lorry Week is the RHA’s annual campaign to champion the industry and shines a light on the businesses and individuals who work tirelessly to keep our nation moving.

During the roadshow, the RHA will spotlight success stories and hear from the industry’s voices to champion logistics as an innovative, inclusive and sustainable industry full of amazing opportunities, particularly for young people and those seeking a new career. National Lorry Week will also showcase the great work that is being done to shape the future of road transport; from recruiting new talent, adopting new technology and improving standards.

The tour will see the National Lorry Week-branded DAF lorry visiting cities across the UK to celebrate alongside RHA members, industry partners and education facilities, as well as meeting with government, policy makers and stakeholders to discuss the importance of the industry.

Commenting, RHA Managing Director, Richard Smith, said: “The UKs logistics industry is the lifeblood of the nation’s economy. Just look around you. Everything you see has at some point been handled by logistics professionals – from producer, to warehouse operative, to distributor, to delivery driver and, in most cases, to store shelf.

“People in our industry have shown great resilience over the last couple of years in the face of huge challenges; from Brexit and the pandemic to driver shortages, and most notably, this year’s fuel crisis, and with Christmas just around the corner, it’s likely we’ll face even greater challenges. National Lorry Week is our opportunity to celebrate them and the great work they do.”

This year’s campaign is supported by a number of industry organisations and sponsors, including Backhouse Jones, Michelin, D4Drivers, DAF, Digihaul, Driver Hire Nationwide, Fuelcard Company, Michelin, Michelin Connected Fleet, RHA Insurance Services, SNAP, Transaid and Tructyre.

Life goes on and a big thank you

Thank-you

Life goes on and a big thank you

We would like to thank everyone for their messages and support following Tick’s untimely death.

Life, and the business goes on under the guidance of Helen, Harry and Tom.

Fortunately, our two main ports for business are Harwich and Felixstowe, so we don’t have to deal with the “delights” of Dover!

Not even the recent extreme hot weather, supply chain issues and fuel price rises prevent us from delivering what our customers need, when they need it.

The last couple of months have been particularly busy for moving containers, for studio working and for buying and selling them. Long may it continue!

Do get in touch if we can help you and your business.

It’s the season for truck fests

Truck-Fest

It’s the season for truck fests

We spent the weekend of 11 and 12 June in Ipswich at the Suffolk Foxfest held at the Foxhall Stadium.

We were delighted that our two trucks won several awards:

Volvo:

1st Best Volvo

Scania:

1st in Show

1st in 2005 and older

2nd in Best Restored

1st in the Leggett Memorial

Foxfest is a charity truck show supporting Poppies Care Farm.

It was open to the public at 1600 Saturday with the truck light show and live music on stage till 2200 then open again on the Sunday at 1000am for more entertainment on stage as well as children’s entertainment including bouncy castles and for the trophy presentation for the trucks.

Peterborough Truckfest

TruckFest-Peterborough

We had a great time at the Peterborough Truckfest

This annual event at the East of England showground in Peterborough is one that we have never failed to attend.

The organisers even managed to hold it every year despite the disruption caused by Covid.

There were trucks of all shapes and sizes including American rigs, customised trucks, emergency vehicles & vintage trucks.

In addition to the displays of all kinds of trucks and competitions for the best presented, there were many events to entertain visitors.

They included Monster Car Crushing Action with the Swamp Thing, Freestyle motocross riders performing tricks and rides on the Slingshot truck.

It was a great day out for everyone whether they were connected to the haulage industry or not.

Fuel price increases are not good for businesses

Fuel-Prices-Climb

Fuel price increases are not good for businesses

The Haulage industry is particularly vulnerable to the rise in the price of fuel and we are no exception.

So far, however, we have been able to absorb the costs without passing them on to our customers, but we have to warn them that it is not a situation that can be sustained indefinitely.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has been campaigning hard on behalf of the industry in the run-up to the Spring budget statement, asking as many people as possible to write to their MPs.

It wants the Chancellor to do three things in relation to fuel prices:

  • Freeze fuel duty for diesel for a further two years.
  • Introduce an essential-user rebate for lorry and coach operators.
  • Introduce a 12-month delay to the red diesel rule changes with a phased introduction

The more people join the campaign the greater chance that the haulage industry can keep its prices down for its customers.

Shortages? What shortages?

Shortages,-what-shortages

Shortages? What shortages?

We have been working hard throughout the weeks to get supplies to retailers who need them.

The signs are that supermarkets are not expecting the severe shortage of seasonal foods that they were expecting earlier and certainly retailers in the East of England have been reporting that they have been able to fill the gaps in their shelves.

Hopefully, there will be no more hold-ups or bottlenecks but you can be sure we are out there every day making sure orders get to the businesses that need them.

Celebrate Road Haulage

Celebrate-Road-Haulage

Celebrate Road Haulage

Every year our industry body the Road Haulage Association runs a week of activities to celebrate the work we do.

This year National Lorry Week is from October 25 to 31 and the RHA has as usual been putting on lots of events, competitions and information sessions to highlight the range of jobs that make up the logistics industry.

It has never been more necessary given the lorry driver shortage to encourage young people into thinking of a career in the industry.

Meanwhile, we, like all those already in the business, continue to work hard to deliver all our services to our clients and fortunately are experiencing no hold-ups at ports, despite all the publicity in the media. 

It is important, however, that our customers makes sure all their paperwork is in order since they are responsible for the contents of the containers we deliver.